Chicago-based musician Jason Narducy has been wowing audiences with his project Split Single. In November, he self-released an eleven track album titled Metal Frames, making a considerable impression on the midwestern music world, and framing himself for a lasting impression on music as a whole.
We had the amazing opportunity to ask the man behind the music some questions,
You’re from Evanston, IL. How do you think that has aided in shaping who you are and how you live your life?
Evanston is a diverse, multicultural community. People who grow up here are commonly open-minded, curious, and progressive. The lake, the university, excellent public schools for my kids, the large number of parks…. I love it here.
Your name is Jason Narducy but your stage name is Split Single. What inspired that name choice?
Jason Narducy is my stage name. My real name is Johnny Thunderbolt-Rocklicker.
When did you first realize that music was your career calling? What is your music background like?
It’s not really my calling but it’s the best third job I’ve ever had. My musical background is The Who, The Beatles, The Clash, Cheap Trick, Circle Jerks, Bob Mould, Guided By Voices, Billy Bragg, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, The Police, PJ Harvey, The Jam, Off Broadway, Mission Of Burma, The Kinks, The Pixies, ELO, The Cure, Bowie, and 59 others.
Do you have a favorite song off Metal Frames
Right now it’s probably “Leave My Mind”.
The instrumentals alone in “Leave My Mind” almost create an atmosphere all their own. What inspired that song?
I was experimenting with a guitar effects pedal called a compressor. It allows you to play a note and make it ring out for a long time. Once I had the music, I started to write lyrics. The music sounded like loneliness to me so I expanded on that theme.
Do you have a favorite venue to play? If so, enlighten us!
There are so many. In Chicago I like Metro, SPACE, Schubas, Riviera, Pritzker Pavillion, Hideout, The Vic, Wine Goddess, and Simons. Other memorable venues I can think of right now: Hollywood Bowl, the stages at Primavera Sound in Barcelona are right on the Mediterranean Sea so… that doesn’t suck, Shepherds Bush Theater (London), First Ave (Minneapolis), 9:30 Club (Wash DC), Brooklyn Bowl (london), Doug Fir (Portland), Cat’s Cradle (Chapel Hill), Paradiso (Amsterdam), The Fillmore (SF)
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever gotten?
Never reveal your real name.
What’s up next for Split Single?
West coast tour, midwest tour, east coast tour, and more videos. All dates listed and frequently updated at www.splitsinglemusic.com/
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Metal Frames is available now.
